Skip the casserole dish and make crispy sheet pan scalloped potatoes that cook faster and deliver golden, cheesy perfection in every bite. This easy, oven-baked potato recipe features Yukon Gold potatoes layered with creamy garlic sauce, sharp cheddar, and a hint of fresh thyme—perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or impressing a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Faster and crispier than traditional scalloped potatoes
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Perfect side dish for steak, chicken, ham, or holiday meals
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Rich garlic cream sauce made from scratch—no canned soup
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Uses a sheet pan for quicker baking and even layers
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Crowd-pleasing and ideal for potlucks or Sunday dinners
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Yukon Gold Potatoes (2 lbs, thinly sliced): Creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for scalloped layers.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup) & Whole Milk (1 cup): Combine for a rich, velvety sauce that coats the potatoes.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and savory bite.
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Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Enhances flavor with sweetness and slight texture.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Provides a bold, melty cheese layer.
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Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds nutty sharpness and a crispy top.
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Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 tsp + for garnish): Earthy herb that complements the creamy base.
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Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance richness.
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Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp, diced): Helps create a golden, luscious top crust.
Tips and Tricks
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Mandoline Magic: Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potatoes.
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Even Layers = Even Cooking: Keep your layers uniform for best results.
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More Crunch: For crispy edges, spread potatoes edge-to-edge and avoid stacking too high.
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Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, Fontina, or smoked Gouda for a gourmet twist.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Variations and Customizations
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Bacon Lovers: Add cooked crumbled bacon between layers.
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Vegetarian Delight: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.
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Mini Sheet Pan Portions: Use individual sheet pans or muffin tins for single servings.
Pairing Suggestions
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Entrées: Serve alongside grilled steak, roast chicken, baked salmon, or glazed ham.
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Holiday Spread: Excellent with Thanksgiving turkey or Easter ham.
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Vegetable Sides: Pairs well with green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze before baking (with cream mixture added) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Popular Questions
Can I use russet or red potatoes instead?
Yes, but Yukon Gold offers the best mix of creaminess and structure. Russets may fall apart more easily.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use two sheet pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.
